We know that COVID-19 and systemic racism have dually exacerbated underlying mental and emotional issues felt by young people throughout the ongoing pandemic. One of the ways Best Starts for Kids is supporting youth mental health in
the renewed levy is by partnering with local school districts on our School-Based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to services or treatment (SB SBIRT) program.
SB SBIRT provides a structured approach to promoting social and emotional health and preventing substance use for middle and high-school students. Once a student fills out a brief survey ranging from their goals and identity to substance use, they are offered opportunities to connect to individualized resources and speak with a caring adult who has been trained in the model.
Since SB SBIRT began in 2019, over 22,000 students have participated in the program, resulting in nearly 4,000 referrals to services. The program has implemented broad mental health screenings across 47 middle schools, identifying students in need of mental health support and connecting them to mental health resources. Key successes of this program include identifying and providing support for students who internalize distress, and building stronger connections with adults so they feel safe asking for help.
This strategy invests in:
Sustaining the Gain (ages 5 – 24)
so that young people have equitable opportunities to be safe, healthy, and thriving.
Estimated annual reach:
8,000 – 10,000 young people
Funding Estimate (2022-2027):
$15,691,000
